Every Singaporean would be familiar with Johor Bahru – but the true fans of our friendly neighbour across the Causeway? You guys would know about Desaru Coast, a beach resort enclave just an hour’s drive away from the JB causeway. And if you don’t drive, it’s now just a short boat ride away with this Singapore to Desaru ferry by Batamfast.
Previously, a trip to Desaru Coast entailed either traffic jams at the Causeway or a boat ride to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal topped with a 35-minute drive.
But the Desaru Link Ferry Service will get you to the area’s main resorts in just under 90 minutes. For now, the service will loop between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal from Thursdays to Mondays. The single round trip departs at 8.30am from Singapore, and at 5.30pm from Desaru.
Check-in for the ferry is quick and easy. Unlike air travel, which requires a few hours before check-in, you can get away with arriving an hour before departure to clear immigration.
The ferry service itself is operated by BatamFast, and can carry up to 338 passengers on board. The lower deck seats passengers in rows, but if you’re travelling in larger groups, the upper deck might be more comfortable with its plush lounge booths.
Feel free to roam about if you can’t sit still. You can walk out onto the decks to look out at the ocean or snap holiday selfies for your feed.
While most take a quick day trip up north to check out the best cafes in JB or the handful of new shopping malls for a good deal, consider Desaru Coast for an extended stay to escape the hustle and bustle.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
It’s home to a myriad of resorts like Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, where there’s direct access to the beach, and picturesque views of the ocean almost everywhere you turn.
Every suite at One&Only Desaru Coast comes with a personal plunge pool.
There’s also the ultra-luxurious One&Only Desaru Coast that only has private suites, each one fitted with your own plunge or lap pool, so you can take a dip at any time of the day.
Families with kids, the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast will be right up your alley with its kids’ club, and toy and candy store.
You can private cabanas to safekeep your valuables and lounge about, while the rest of the fam play at Adventure Waterpark.
Plus, it’s located within walking distance of Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. It’s the largest waterpark in Malaysia with the largest wave pool in Asia. It’s just like swimming in an ocean, minus the sand and seaweed.
While the kids enjoy themselves at the waterpark, parents can sneak off for much-needed couple time alone at The Westin Desaru Coast. Their Heavenly Spa is just as its name suggests… heavenly, with its private massage rooms facing the ocean.
Now that the ferry service has officially launched, those who’ve been wanting to visit this idyllic beachfront hideaway can do so even without a car. Pack your bags – the sun, sand, and sea are waiting.
It takes approximately 90 minutes each way.
You’ll need to book tickets in advance from BatamFast. The ferry departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal 5 days a week.
A 1-way ticket costs $70/pax. Roundtrip tickets are $108/pax. Prices are inclusive of ticketing surcharges, passenger departure, and terminal fees.
Other things to check out in Desaru:
This article was co-written by Kezia Tan and Raewyn Koh.
Photography by Brad Lee.
Originally published on 15th March 2022. Last updated on 2nd October 2023.
Benefits of an ice bath include better sleep, reduced muscle soreness, and a boost in…
The only guide you'll ever need for this year's NDP.
You wouldn't want to miss out on your favourite artist, so check out the amazing…
Now abandoned and reportedly haunted, Neo Tiew Estate is Singapore's last surviving Rural Centre -…
Ditch the expensive restaurant reservations and chope your seats at these spots on D-day now.
Even car owners might want to hitch a ride on this bus to avoid the…